Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-02-25

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Thursday, 25 February 1999

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides says Turkish allegations are unfounded
• [02] Britain is working closely with US and UN towards a Cyprus solution

[01] President Clerides says Turkish allegations are unfounded

"The UN Peace-Keeping Force In Cyprus has freedom of movement. If such camps existed they would not have escaped UNFICYP's notice," President Clerides.

Replying to questions during a visit to a Greek army camp in Malounda, the President also said that if European countries wish to send representatives to travel throughout Cyprus, "they too will establish that the accusations Turkey has levelled against Cyprus are totally unfounded".

In the wake of Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan's capture, the Turkish government accused Cyprus and Greece of being actively involved in supporting what it described as Kurdish terrorism.

[02] Britain is working closely with US and UN towards a Cyprus solution

Replying to a letter sent by President of the Federation of Cypriots living in the UK, Hari Sophoclides, to the British Premier, Cook also says a decision by the Cypriot President not to deploy a missile system on the island contributes to international efforts to reduce tension in the region.

Noting that London had warmly welcomed President Glafcos Clerides' decision not to deploy the Russian-made S300 anti-aircraft missiles, Cook describes it as "a significant contribution to international efforts, in which Britain plays a prominent part, to reduce tension in the region."

"It also helps to create the conditions necessary for securing a just and lasting settlement in Cyprus," he adds.

The British Foreign Secretary says London had strongly endorsed resolution 1218 and is "working closely with the UN, our EU partners and the US to achieve the full implementation of this resolution."

"We will also be active in encouraging both sides to cooperate in a constructive and flexible manner with Kofi Annan and his Deputy Special Representative Dame Ann Hercus," he adds.

"The British government and its EU partners have made it clear that the accession of Cyprus to the EU should benefit both communities, reinforce efforts towards a settlement and help bring about peace and reconciliation", he said.

"We continue to give this process our strong support," he concludes.

Cyprus - EU - Communication issues

Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides and Press and Information Office Director George Hadjisavvas today briefed European Union officials on efforts to inform the public on European issues.

The two Cypriot officials also outlined efforts made to inform Turkish Cypriots on the benefits of EU accession, through the use of the Internet and TV reports, and asked for EU financial and technical aid.

They met EU Commissioner in Charge of Relations with the European Parliament and also member states (transparency, communication and information), Culture and Audio-visual Policy, Marcelino Orega, other officials of this unit as well as Commission officials in charge of communication.

Orega expressed satisfaction with the fact that the Cyprus government has fulfilled its obligation to inform Turkish Cypriots on the Republic's EU accession course.

The website of the office of Cyprus' chief EU negotiator was launched earlier this year.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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